Lead Industrial Hydraulics Engineer

Lead Industrial Hydraulics Engineer

The Lead Industrial Hydraulics Engineer is responsible for planning, leading, and delivering large-scale, high-complexity hydraulic projects. As a technical expert and project leader, this role collaborates across departments, aligns engineering output with strategic goals, and ensures design quality, performance, and innovation throughout all phases of system development. The Lead Industrial Hydraulics Engineer builds strong internal and external relationships, contributes to a collaborative culture, and consistently demonstrates integrity and accountability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Applications Support:

Lead technical evaluations during pre-sales and project scoping stages

Define hydraulic system architecture based on performance and application requirements

Drive technical proposal creation, ensuring feasibility and cost alignment

Interface with customers and sales teams to clarify specifications and technical deliverables

Identify potential risks or gaps early in the application phase and provide mitigation strategies

Review Product Design:

Set and enforce engineering standards, design practices, and review protocols

Guide key design decisions across multiple projects and engineering teams

Lead complex design reviews involving cross-disciplinary feedback

Ensure designs comply with relevant safety codes, industry standards, and internal QA processes

Evaluate prototype and test results to inform design iterations and system validation

Field Service and Project Support:

Oversee development of commissioning plans, field test procedures, and validation documentation

Lead resolution of escalated field issues, coordinating multidisciplinary resources as needed

Analyze failure data and implement corrective/preventative measures across designs

Support post-installation reviews and customer feedback loops for continuous improvement

Clerical/General Administrative:

Align technical milestones with overall project schedules and business priorities

Track key performance indicators (KPIs), technical risks, and resource utilization

Lead project reporting and communication with senior leadership and stakeholders

Competencies:

Deep expertise in industrial hydraulic systems, controls, and fluid dynamics

Strong leadership in technical planning, resource coordination, and project delivery

Skilled in cross-functional collaboration and system-level integration

Effective communicator across technical, operational, and executive audiences

Demonstrated ability to manage ambiguity, prioritize tasks, and make sound engineering decisions

Physical and Mental Demands:

Frequently required to sit, use hands, talk, and hear

Occasionally required to lift up to 25 lbs and visit industrial facilities or customer sites

Must be capable of analyzing complex data, making decisions, and working independently

Visual abilities include color perception, depth, and near/far vision essential for schematic work

Requires attention to detail, multitasking, and mental focus in a dynamic work environment

The mental and physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Working Environment:

Typical office setting with regular visits to shop floor and customer facilities

40-hour work week, with occasional evening/weekend support depending on project needs

Use of standard office equipment, CAD stations, and engineering tools

Travel requirement: Up to 15%

Requirements:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Fluid Power, or related field

7–10 years of experience (or 13-16 years of relevant experience in lieu of degree)

Proficiency in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and hydraulic simulation tools (e.g., Automation Studio, Simscape)

Familiarity with UL, CE, ISO, or other industry-specific compliance and safety standards

Track record of delivering high-performance, custom-engineered hydraulic systems

Ability to manage a facility in a safe, cost-effective, and comfortable working environment.